Ryan Preece missed qualifying for the NASCAR All-Star Race after committing a choose cone violation during the All-Star Open, where he had been running in second place. This crucial mistake at the North Wilkesboro Speedway ended his hopes of advancing to the main event over the weekend despite strong performance.
The incident frustrated Preece, who expressed his displeasure by retrieving an actual traffic cone after the race and placing it on the inside wall, drawing cheers from fans. However, veteran driver Kevin Harvick addressed Preece’s actions critically during an episode of his podcast, Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, refusing to soften his stance on the matter.
Kevin Harvick on the Emotional Reaction and Responsibility Behind the Violation
Harvick acknowledged the passionate responses of drivers under pressure but emphasized personal accountability. He reflected,
“When you look at some of the things that happened this weekend, we had a few guys that were fired up at each other. Preece was fired up after the [All-Star] Open,”
describing how Preece’s frustration led him to set up a cone on the wall as a symbolic gesture for the missed restart box.
Harvick continued,
“The drivers and their emotion? That’s what we want to see. We want to see that emotion.”
Yet, he underscored that Preece’s mistake was ultimately his responsibility, noting,
“I felt like, in the Open, Preece was going to win the race. I felt like he had the best car in the Open race. He was mad and trying to blame it on somebody else, but in the end, that’s your responsibility, to put that car where it needs to be.”
He highlighted that despite Preece’s frustration about track conditions, the driver had the fastest car and should have ensured proper positioning to avoid disqualification.
“Knowing that, you also know that you had the best car in the race. You know that you want to be in the big show, and it’s not going to happen because of that mistake,”
Harvick stated firmly.
The Pressure of Competition and How Drivers React Under the Spotlight
Harvick also commented on the broader context of how drivers handle the high stakes during critical moments. He said,
“Look at Brad [Keselowski] losing the lead there on the restart, that was his only chance. All these guys know you’re there to win, you’re there to be in the show. You’re there to win, and there’s a million dollars on the line. I love to see the emotion.”
This insight highlights the intense pressure all drivers face racing for both pride and big financial rewards, where split-second mistakes can alter career trajectories.
Ryan Preece’s Future Prospects with RFK Racing Despite Setbacks
Even with this setback, Ryan Preece is drawing attention as he continues his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign with RFK Racing. While he is still pursuing his first win of the season, his consistent performances near the front of the field show promise. If Preece can avoid costly errors and maintain his pace, victory opportunities are likely ahead for the No. 60 Ford driver.
Though his choose cone violation in the All-Star Open was disappointing, Preece’s competitive speed reassures fans and analysts alike that he remains a strong contender as the season progresses.
